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I know that I have said this before on a number of occasions on AWEB, but I think HMRC should spend a large proportion of their £1200 milllion MTD budget on commissioning top quality software from a consortium of leading developers and then make that software available for all to use at no cost.
This would ensure that the software is developed to do exactly what HMRC require and also enable ongoing bugs to be efficiently sorted out during use.
There are numerous significant benefits for everyone if we were all using the same software, particularly if it is cloud based, and would make the concept of moving to MTD much more attractive to many.
Ultimately, there is only one way to arrive at the results that HMRC are looking for so why spread this function across numerous software packages when all you need is one top quality package provided by the Government.
I would also add from where I stand, I still cannot see MTD for VAT being mandatory in April 2019 and I think a more realistic approach would be to simply make it optional for several years.
Why the rush?
As far a taking part in these trials is concerned, I would (and have on occasions) take part in beta testing but I see no advantage whatsoever in this particular approach to MTD. Give me a realistic time scale and some confidence in the concept, plus some real incentive, then it would be different, but at the moment all I can see is a lot of unpaid time to help software developers make huge profits out of my efforts.
Agree with many of your sentiments but my understanding that this is primarily a trial of the HMRC system not what the commercial software developers have done.
You can view your efforts as a community service rather than a profit supplement for the software industry.
"You can view your efforts as a community service rather than a profit supplement for the software industry."
I cannot do that as it is not a community service.
On the other hand, if the Government were developing and supporting the universal software that I described, then I would have no hesitation in supporting its development for free as there would be no doubt that millions of people, their businesses and the Government would benefit from such software.
It is not rocket science., just common sense that is not influenced by vested interests.
Divide and rule.
If HMG produced the accounts software and the interface there is nowhere to hide if problems arise, however if HMG create the interface and software companies do the software then blame can be spread if things do not work out as planned (and if HMG involved they likely will not)
Politicians/ Civil Servants may not be smart but they are sneaky, if it works grab the credit if it does not have someone to blame.
There are a number of factors why the Government will not provide free software, one of which could easily be the reason you give, but in spite of the indisputable logic of my argument, I think the main reason that we will be left to the mercy of commercial exploitation is that the Government will not do anything to hinder the software developers. The vested interests are just too powerful.
I took part in the BETA PAYE system. Wish I hadnt. Since then I've not been able to see clients details under the PAYE section of the agents site.
Only clients for whom I submit CIS returns show the correct info. For some clients nothing is shown although FPS and EPS's have been submitted correctly.
Its been like this since the system went live. I've complained more than once and sent screenshots. Then in Nov last year I received this...
"This is a known issue affecting a small number of agents who have signed up for the Agent Services BETA trial and changed their business name. A resolution to the problem has been identified, however, we are unable to give a specific time frame as to when this will be deployed."
My firm has not changed its name - been the same for 30 years.
I've heard nothing since - I still cant see whether clients have paid the correct PAYE etc. Nothing.
So I've given up and no... I wont be volunteering and I will make damn sure none of my clients do either.
Sheesh Jennifer! What a horrifying and worrying account! You've been badly treated and how. You have my sympathies.
Chris.
That is very bad (and the sort of risk that keeps me out of this kind of trial). They should be paying you vast compensation for the damage you have suffered.
I totally agree Jennifer, I'm having problems with the BETA PAYE system too and it's not as if they take any notice of the feedback I send them - I'm certainly not wasting any more time on HMRC BETAs!
Why on earth would anyone want to be part of this pilot.
I see very little upside and a load of hassle on the downside.
Good luck to any brave guinea pigs out there!
I am still surprised any developers are interested given the whole thing is likely to be pulled back another 12 months, and another 12 months......
I am concerned - we use Sage 200, which is decent software, but I am unable to upgrade to the very latest version, as that requires upgrades to all the rest of the infrastructure - new MS office licences, new email servers, etc etc.
I worry that, unless I have the very latest version, I will not be able to obtain the MTDfVAT process.
The stupid thing is the existing data entry into VAt online actually works...
The even more stupid thing is that the system of typing data into the online VAT form will continue in parallel to MTD for VAT , as it has to be in place for those who are voluntarily registered for VAT with turnover under £85,000.
This part of my worry too. I rent nothing just about (not even a car and certainly not Word etc software). I buy one off. I have had a quick look at these kinds of software products and they all seem to cost more than my current systems (which cost nothing). I see no upsides for me at all and just a lot of on going cost. The product if it must be forced on me next year should be free and provided by HMRC and they should undertake fully to indemnify and hold users harmless against all loss, including hacking caused by their imposing the new system on people who do not want it.
I will wait in the wings. My last firm used to make sure it always had the second last software product, not latest version on the basis it was cheaper and tried and tested - all the bugs sorted out first. Wise plan.
This is going to be a big change for me next year as I don't even use excel for my impeccable accounts and certainly not any cloud storage. They will have to drag me kicking and screaming into it I suspect. It will not be fun and I bet it will cost me a small fortune.
In a country where 'inclusivity' is the buzz word, MTD is a blunt instrument that ignores the needs of those that are not suited for that kind of system.
What a load of hypocrisy being dumped on us by the Government and those that have no feelings of guilt and shame.
Here's a novel idea why don't HMRC ask for volunteers from their customers (taxpayers) after all 90% of them have no idea that this is coming!